Communications Specialist

About PEC

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking to hire a communications specialist to promote PEC’s mission and programs through a mix of online and offline means. The communications specialist will work to advance the following goals:

1. Build a network of reliable activists, donors and members
2. Influence decision-makers to reach better outcomes
3. Increase positive awareness of PEC and build support for a full range of PEC programs
4. Change behavior and foster an ethic of good stewardship of the Piedmont’s natural resources, historic and cultural resources, and the environment as a whole.

The communications specialist will report to PEC’s co-director of outreach & communications and be responsible for a mix of the functions outlined below:

• Develop and implement strategic social media campaigns to advance and promote PEC initiatives, messaging, and programs
• Research, write, edit and develop engaging content for print and digital communications channels
• Monitor, maintain and update PEC’s website, including, but not limited to updating outdated links and information, identifying areas for content improvement, adding new content as needed, search engine optimization, readability, plug-ins and short-links, etc.
• Track and report measurable social media metrics, website analytics, and email/action alert outcomes
• Collaborate with PEC staff to create and implement email communications, fundraising, and advocacy campaigns, including content, design, formatting, and scheduling
• Take photos of PEC geographies, events, projects, fieldwork, supporters, etc.
• Design and produce digital and print marketing/promotional materials
• Respond to public questions and information requests via email, phone and social media
• Assist staff with the development of presentations for meetings and public outreach events
• At times, assist PEC events staff with event planning
• Attend and represent PEC during various public engagement events and activities

Outstanding candidates will share a commitment to PEC’s mission and will bring the following experience and attributes:

• At least two years related work experience
• Demonstrated communications and storytelling skills, both written and oral, including the ability to write, edit and proof written materials
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative abilities, including the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and work styles
• Proficiency with website content management systems like WordPress
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and G Suite (Google Apps)
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing social media campaigns for measurable outcomes
• Ability to organize and coordinate diverse activities and competing deadlines
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings
• Reliable transportation, as this position requires travel to locations and events throughout PEC’s 9-county region
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) principles

• Bachelor’s degree in a communications, public policy or environmental field
• Well-versed in AP style and editorial rules
• Communications experience in public policy, with an emphasis on environmental, conservation, and/or land use issues
• Experience in campaigning, organizing or advocacy
• A working knowledge of local land use planning and zoning in Virginia
• A working knowledge of conservation policies and conservation easements

Benefits

In addition to a salary, you will be eligible to participate in health, disability, term life insurance benefits and a 403(b) employee pension plan. Upon employment, you will be entitled to paid holidays and will begin accruing personal leave as designated in the PEC Employee Handbook.

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

• Two health plans (83% employer paid premium for employee only plan, 73% employer paid for added dependents)
• Short & Long Term Disability*
• Group Term Life*
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances*
• HSA account (with employer match up to $750 per year)
• FSA accounts (health & dependent)
• 403(b) pension plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
• 12 paid holidays
• PTO leave – 24 days per year, accrued each pay period
• 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer at another non-profit or charitable cause
• Salary Continuation Leave for employee or family illness – from 2 to 8 weeks fully paid leave eligibility every 24 months, depending on length of service
• Paid Bereavement, Jury Duty and Military Service Training leave
• Travel Expense Reimbursement
• Hybrid work environment and Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development support
• Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.
• Indicates that this insurance premium is 100% paid by PEC for employee’s coverage.